The Burj Khalifa dominates both the daytime and nighttime skyline of Dubai.
Siddiqui, who will be leading this trip again next winter, is proud of how this cohort of students was open to new experiences, whether it be trying different types of food and drink or observing cultural activities with an open mind. “The students all had an opportunity to immerse themselves in an environment which was extremely multicultural, and no matter where we went or what we did, they were willing to go out and try new things,” he said.
Spector is thankful for Siddiqui’s support in enabling the students to have a “once in a lifetime” experience in Dubai.
“I tell my friends and family that this is an area of the world that you have to see — it’s just unbelievable. I’d definitely recommend this trip to anyone,” he added.
“When you help build a new building, you can look back and say, ‘I was part of that,’ and that’s a really cool experience that is tough to understand before you actually do it,” added Kaminski about how courses and programs like this can provide key insights for students before they embark upon their career. “As a student, as you’re about to select what field you want to go into, having that hands-on experience — being on the job site, putting the boots and the hard hat on, and seeing it all up close and personal — it’s a great thing to have.”
Malich said that the overall structure of the course, from site and museum tours to classes, tied everything together in a really engaging way.
“It was such a phenomenal experience, and the course was really well-balanced. It was an incredible trip overall,” she said.
Hatoum said that through this program, she was able not only to get a head start on a career path in project management and return to Dubai after ten years away, she was also able to foster new connections with students outside of her major.
“There is something uniquely special about sharing cultural experiences with peers from varying backgrounds, an opportunity that is rare in the U.S.,” added Hatoum, who is Arab-American. “It filled me with immense pride and gratitude for UD’s mission to educate students about the world and its diverse cultures.”